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Preventing vehicle thefts and break-ins

TERRACE RCMP Const. Devon Gerrits puts a crime prevention notice on a windshield, part of a four-week campaign to cut down on auto crime.

— image credit: MARGARET SPEIRS

posted Jan 27, 2013 at 9:00 AM

FOR THE NEXT month, Terrace RCMP crime reduction unit officers will be checking vehicles to ensure they are properly locked and have no personal objects inside in plain view to make sure they aren’t easy targets for thieves as part of their auto crime campaign.

A notice left on drivers' windshields will let them know what they need to improve on, if anything.

Car shopping is a term used by some people in our community that refers to the practice of checking vehicles for unlocked doors. Usually a parking lot, street, or area will be targeted by thieves

In 2012, there were 148 thefts/attempted thefts from vehicles and 52 stolen/attempted stolen vehicles reported to the Terrace RCMP. Locking your vehicle is the first step and the most effective way to deter thieves, says Cpl Mike Dame, non commissioned officer in charge Terrace RCMP General Investigation Section/Crime Reduction Unit.

If a vehicle is found unlocked, it will be locked.

These notices will also be say what the driver did correctly. A notice with a positive box checked can be brought to the Terrace RCMP detachment for a coupon for a free coffee at McDonald’s.

Police tips to deter thieves include always closing windows and locking doors; choosing well lit areas to park and near pedestrian traffic; installing an anti-theft device and advertising it with a window decal; engraving your driver's licence number on items like car stereos and cell phones and keeping track of marked items; displaying a sticker indicating that valuables are marked for identification; reporting any suspicious persons around a vehicle to the police; leaving nothing, absolutely nothing, in sight in a vehicle; taking the garage door opener with you and keeping your spare key in your wallet, not in the vehicle.

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